ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Education
NCTE is driving NEP-linked reforms and initiatives in teacher education
NCTE celebrates 28th Foundation Day in New Delhi
National Council of Teachers Education  today celebrated its 28th Foundation Day in New Delhi today. Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education Smt. L. S. Changsan was the Guest of Honor on the occasion. Chairperson NCTE, Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani; Member Secretary NCTE, Ms. Kesang Y. Sherpa and senior officials of Ministry of Education attended the event.
Smt. L.S Changsan appreciated NCTE for the reforms in Teacher Education sector through various NEP mandates. Sone of the initiatives have been National Professional standards for Teachers, National Mission for Mentoring and 4 Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme.
While addressing the gathering Prof. Saklani said that teachers play an important role in the growth of a society. The Foundation Day of NCTE is about celebrating the revolution in the system by equipping the teachers with relevant 21st Century skills. He also mentioned the role of teachers in ancient Universities like Takshila and Nalanda and the need to stay connected with our Indian Values and Culture.
Ms. Kesang Y. Sherpa in her welcome address said that the NCTE is bringing a paradigm shift in the field of Teacher Education by introducing various NEP2020 mandates. In alignment with NEP 2020, Teachers are at centre of reforming education. She also quoted, "Be the change you want to see in the world".
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
209.40 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
13,15,536 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 1,01,166
Active cases stand at 0.23%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.58%
13,900 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,36,99,435
13,272 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
88.21 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 3,15,231 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Defence
Vice Admiral AB Singh takes over as Chief of Staff Western Naval Command
Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, AVSM, VSM took over as Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command from Vice Admiral Ravneet Singh, AVSM, NM on 15 Jan 18. Vice Admiral AB Singh was the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command prior to his current appointment.
An alumnus of National Defence Academy, Vice Admiral AB Singh was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 July 1983. He is a specialist in Navigation and Aircraft Direction and his important specialist appointments include Navigating Officer of INS Kamorta , and the destroyer INS Ranjit, besides being the Fleet Navigating Officer of Western Fleet during Op Prakaram.
The Flag Officer has commanded IN Ships Veer , Vindhyagiri , Trishul  and Viraat . He has also been an instructor at NDA, Khadakwasla, Navigation and Direction School, Kochi and Directing Staff at DSSC Wellington. Vice Admiral AB Singh has served at Naval Headquarters as Deputy Director and Principal Director at the Directorate of Naval Plans. He also set up the Directorate of Strategy, Concepts and Transformation as the Principal Director.
Promoted to Flag Rank in 2012, he has since tenanted the appointments of Flag Officer AOB Project, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff  at Naval Headquarters and Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. The Flag Officer was awarded with Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2016 for his exemplary service to the nation.
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DKS/AC 07/18
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Special Service and Features
TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY POST OFFICE
It is proposed to open a New Post Office by name “Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University Post Office” with pincode 600113 in Taramani Area under the delivery jurisdiction of TTTI Taramani Post Office, Chennai 600 113 on 26.02.2021 at Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University Premises, Perungudi. The Post office will cater the needs of the students and faculty and General Public around the University campus. Hence the members of the public are requested to utilize the services of the New Post Office, according to a press released by Senior Superintendent of Post offices. Chennai City South Division. Chennai 600 017.
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Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Shri Narayan Rane inaugurates “MSME PAVILION” at the 41st India International Trade Fair, 2022.
Union Minister for MSME, Shri Narayan Rane, inaugurated the “MSME PAVILION” at the 41st India International Trade Fair  at New Delhi today in the august presence of Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Minister of State for MSME. The MSME Pavilion has been organized in Hall No. 4 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Shri Rane said that the Fair will provide an opportunity to MSME entrepreneurs, especially women, SC/ST and entrepreneurs from aspirational districts, to show-case their skills/products and create new opportunities for growth and be self-reliant.
Shri Rane met various MSME exhibitors in the MSME Pavilion, where a total of 205 MSMEs are show-casing their products in 26 sectors viz. Textiles, Food, metallurgy, Fragrances, Footwear, Toys, Chemical, Electrical, Leather, Plastic, Rubber, Stone Gem and Jewellery among others. This year, MSME Pavilion has the highest ever participation of Women led enterprises .
On the occasion of the 2nd Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, Shri Rane highlighted the contribution of tribal communities in the nation’s history and culture and underscored the need to re-energize the efforts for socio-economic development of tribal regions.
PIB Headquarters
Vigilance Awareness week closing ceremony
The closing ceremony of “Vigilance Awareness Week-2017” being conducted by the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Thiruvananthapuram will be held tomorrow  . State Chief Information Commissioner Shri. Vinson M. Paul will be the Chief Guest of the programme which will be held at 3.30 pm at Income Tax Recreation Club Hall, 6th floor, AyakarBhawan ,Kowdiyar.
(Visitor Counter : 26
Election Commission
Election Commissioner, Arun Goel attends International Conference on ‘Preserving Information Integrity and Public Trust in Elections’ in Brasilia, Brazil
The Election Commissioner of India, Shri Arun Goel, has participated in a significant international conference focused on "Preserving Information Integrity and Public Trust in Elections." The conference held in Brasilia, Brazil during August 14-15, 2023 was hosted by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems  and Tribunal Superior Eleitoral, Brazil.
Shri Arun Goel addressed the participants on “Mapping EMB Coordination and Communication with Technology and Social Media Companies'. Shri Goel shared insights, experiences and the measures taken by ECI to preserve information integrity in the digital age for conduct of free and fair elections including the Voluntary Code of Ethics for Social Media companies, that is operational since 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. While elaborating on the challenges of fake news during elections in the fast evolving communication and technology landscape, Shri Goel urged the EMBs to come together to devise Global Guidelines/Code for social media companies to safeguard the sanctity of elections.
The two day conference witnessed participation from Election Management bodies, experts, and stakeholders from different countries to engage in thoughtful discussions and exchange of ideas on critical issues related to maintaining the integrity of information in the context of elections and upholding public trust. As technology and communication channels evolve, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information becomes increasingly crucial to the democratic process.
The conference provided a platform for participants to explore innovative strategies, best practices, and lessons learned from various countries. Discussions revolved around topics such as Institutional Strategic Planning for Information Integrity Threats; Strategic Communication and Voter Education; Crisis Communication Planning for Disinformation Threats; Coordination and Communication with Civil Society, Academia, Media, Political Parties and anticipating future threats and coordination with technology and social media companies. The exchange of knowledge and experiences will contribute to strengthening global cooperation in safeguarding democratic processes.
Prime Minister's Office
Inter-Governmental Consultations with Germany deepened the bilateral relations says Prime Minister
Prime Minister’s Statement at Joint Press Meet along with German Chancellor in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the bilateral relations between India-Germany are based on the fundamental belief in Democracy and Rule of Law.
Appreciating the role of the Inter-Governmental Consultations, Prime Minister said this unique mechanism has helped deepen the bilateral relations between India & Germany in several fields such as New & Advanced Technoly, e-mobility, fuel cell technology, smart cities, inland water ways, coastal management, cleaning of rivers, environmental protection etc.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was delivering inaugural statement during the Joint Press Meet along with German Chancellor in New Delhi today.
Welcoming Germany Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel and her delegation to India, Prime Minister said Chancellor Merkel played a key role in strengthening India- Germany relations.
Prime Minister said India is grateful for Germany’s support to India’s membership in Export control regimes and other international forums.
He said both the countries would continue the cooperation in undertaking reforms in Security Council, United Nations and other international organisations.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19: Myth vs. Facts
Media reports claiming that 50 lakhs unused Covishield doses may go waste by February-endare Ill informed & Misleading
Centre proactively advising States to abide by principle of “First Expiry First Out” of vaccines in the COVID-19 Vaccination drive
Provision of Vaccine Exchange made available on Co-WIN to ensure No Vaccine Doses are wasted
There have been some media reports alleging that‘50 lakh unused Covishield doses may go waste by February-end’. Such reports are vague, without any specific information on the state wise number of doses that are claimed to be near expiry date.
The Central Government has in a proactive manner advised all State Governments to review this issue right from the start of COVID-19 vaccination drive to ensure that wastage of vaccine doses is reduced to the minimum and that doses do not expire by stressing the principle of “First Expiry First Out”  at all 60 consignee points.
In the month of November 2021, it was communicated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that States should regularly review the status of COVID vaccines expected to expire in the coming months, available with Private Hospitals within the States.
States were also advised that no vaccine should be allowed to get expired, both in the Govt. and Private facilities. It was advised that the States may have a quick Video-Conference at the level of Addl. Chief Secretary / Principal Secretary  with the private hospitals to look into the utilization of vaccine doses. States were also advised that they could try interventions like administration of vaccine under CSR/ vaccination at subsidized rates in respect of Private Hospitals.
Furthermore, on the request of specific States, the Union Health Ministry had clarified that it had no objection to proposed arrangement of transfer of vaccine, on an exceptional basis, from private sector Health Facilities to State Government Health Facilities to avoid vaccine expiry and to ensure that no vaccine dose goes to waste. The provision of entry of these exchanged vaccines is available on the Co-WIN digital platform.
Additionally, discussions have also been held with the states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat and Delhi to ensure that COVID vaccines available to the Private COVID Vaccination Centres  are used.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives in road accident at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives in a road accident at Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "The road accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district is saddening. In this hour of sadness, my thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. I hope that the injured recover at the earliest."
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Over 2.4 cr Vaccine Doses administered across the Country
More than 13.5 lakh doses given in last 24 hours
Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu exhibiting a high rise in Daily COVID Cases
More than 2.43 cr  vaccine doses have been administered through 3,39,145 sessions across the States and UTs, as per the provisional report till 7 am today.
These include 71,30,098 HCWs , 38,90,257HCWs , 69,36,480 FLWs  and 4,73,422 FLWs , 8,33,526 beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific co-morbidities  and 51,04,123 beneficiaries aged more than 60 years .
|
|
HCWs
|
|
FLWs
|
|
45 to <60 years with Co-morbidities
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
Total
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
71,30,098
|
|
38,90,257
|
|
69,36,480
|
|
4,73,422
|
|
8,33,526
|
|
51,04,123
|
|
2,43,67,906
As on Day-53 of the vaccination drive , more than 13.5 Lakh  vaccine doses were given. Out of which, 10,60,944 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 52,351 sessions for 1st dose  and 2,98,229 HCWs and FLWs received 2nd dose of vaccine.
|
|
Date: 9th March, 2021
|
|
HCWs
|
|
FLWs
|
|
45 to <60 years with Co-morbidities
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
Total Achievement
|
|
1stDose
|
|
2ndDose
|
|
1stDose
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1stDose
|
|
1stDose
|
|
1stDose
|
|
2ndDose
|
|
55,088
|
|
1,50,779
|
|
1,44,161
|
|
1,47,450
|
|
1,31,717
|
|
7,29,978
|
|
10,60,944
|
|
2,98,229
Six states of Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are reporting high daily new COVID cases. 17,921 new daily cases reported in last 24 hours.
83.76% of the new cases are from the above mentioned six States.
Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 9,927. It is followed by Kerala with 2,316 while Punjab reported 1,027 new cases.
Eight states are displaying an upward trajectory in daily new cases.
India’s total Active Caseload stands at 1.84 lakh  today.
The graph below reflects the day-on-day change in active cases from 17 January, 2021 to 10 March, 2021.
The COVID samples being tested everyday have followed a continuous upward trajectory. The total tests conducted in India has crossed 22 crores .
The daily positivity rate currently stands at 2.43%.
133 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.
Five States account for 77.44% of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties . Punjab follows with 20 daily deaths. Kerala has reported 16 deaths.
Nineteen States/UTs have not reported any COVID19 deaths in the last 24 hours.
These are Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Odisha, Uttarakhand,Jharkhand, Bihar, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Ladakh , Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, D&D & D&N, Tripura, Mizoram, A&N Islands and Arunachal Pradesh.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 486
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 191.46 Crore
More than 9 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 191.46 Crore  today. More than 9 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10406178
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10030190
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
5037251
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18417696
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17566054
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
8206128
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
31882918
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
12325360
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
59000100
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
44106270
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
556620196
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
485065573
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
440119
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
203148111
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
189705483
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1029693
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127018153
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
118251426
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
16433045
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
1006493352
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
877050356
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
31146236
|
|
Total
|
|
1914689944
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 16th April, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
30
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
423
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
9878
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
54
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
587
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
26420
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
89864
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
165362
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
20965
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
73837
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
24854
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
242281
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
19257
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5759
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
55821
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
22436
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3488
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
39054
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
120600
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
145014
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
577365
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
198591
|
|
Total
|
|
920970
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
NCSC directs Rajasthan Government for Immediate Action & Payment of Compensation to Two SC Victims of Atrocities and Inhuman Behaviour by Anti-Social Elements in Nagaur
A case of atrocities and inhuman behaviour on two SCs by certain anti-social elements in Nagaur, Rajasthan has been brought to the notice of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes . The case has already been taken up with the Government of Rajasthan and detailed report has been received. Secretary, NCSC has already spoken over phone to DM, Nagaur on 20.02.2020. The Chairman, NCSC was briefed of the reports of the action taken by the Police and DM on 20.02.2020.
As per report received, the police officers have confirmed that FIR No. 011/19.02.2020 was lodged u/s 342, 323, 341, 143 IPC, 3 , 3  and 3  of POA Act. They have arrested 7 accused and DM has confirmed that Rs. 50,000/- each has been paid to the two victims on 20.02.2020 vide sanction No. DOSJE/9986/ATROC/2019/106286 as per rules. The Vice- Chairman has also directed the State Authorities for immediate action and payment of compensation to the victim.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Shelad to Nandura section costing Rs 816 crore on Amravati-Chikhali National Highway 53 at Khamgaon , Buldhana,Maharashtra
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated the Shelad to Nandura project costing Rs 816 crore on Amravati-Chikhali National Highway 53 at Khamgaon , Buldhana, Maharashtra.
National Highway 53 is important as an important trade link between Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha or states in the country. Also, this highway is a highway connecting Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon,  Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra. This highway is also important as it has good connectivity for Raipur-Nagpur-Surat or East-West corridor.
The total length of the quadrangle project of Sadar Shelad-Nandura division is 45 km and includes 14 km greenfield bypass, 4 major bridges, 16 minor bridges, 63 culverts, 1 ROB, 8 vehicle underpasses, 2 pedestrian underpasses, 12 bus shelters. This project will be useful for the famous silver market of Silver City Khamgaon, which is a subdivision of Buldhana district.
With this project the problem of traffic congestion in Khamgaon city has been solved and it will also help in reducing the number of accidents. Vehicle underpass and ROB will ensure the safety of road users. The project will facilitate reaching Shegaon, Lonar or religiously and geographically important places. The project will lead to development of tourism, health, education and employment generation.
Under the Central Government's Amrit Sarovar scheme of opening the ponds under the highway project, Jalkumbhachi has been constructed, this has helped in removing the problem of water-drainage in hot and dry areas like Khamgaon.
A program was announced for the Malkapur-Buldhana-Chikhli road with a cost of Rs 1,200 crore and Balapur-Shegaon or 22 km road with a cost of Rs 350 crore. Besides, approval was given for the work of 25 crores from Chikhali to Thakarkhed and other roads.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
EPFO settles 36.02 lakh claims during lockdown
More than 74% beneficiaries are low wage earners
To enhance the ease of living experience of its members during the challenging times of COVID -19 lockdown, Employees Provident Fund Organisation , a statutory body under Union Ministry of Labour & Employment, has left no stone unturned in ensuring timely and effective delivery of services to its members. Despite the lockdown restrictions EPFO settled a staggering 36.02 lakh claims thereby disbursing Rs. 11,540 crore to its members during the last two months of April and May 2020. Out of this, 15.54 lakh claims, disbursing Rs. 4580 crore to claimants, were related to the recently introduced COVID-19 advance under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana .
The COVID-19 advance has been a great help to EPFO’s members during these difficult times, especially for the members with monthly wages of less than Rs 15,000. Receiving the COVID-19 advance to the extent of basic wages and DA for three months or up to 75% of the amount standing to member's credit in the EPF account, whichever is less, has provided timely relief to many workers, preventing them from falling into indebtedness.
A look at wage slab-wise data points out that more than 74 % of total claimants during the lockdown period belonged to slab of less than Rs.15,000 wage. The high income category with wages more than Rs. 50,000 accounted for a mere 2% of the claimants. Approximately 24% of claims were made by the members with wages falling in the Rs.15,000 to less than Rs.50,000 category.
Respecting the social distancing norms at work place, EPFO worked with less than 50% staff during the lockdown. Notwithstanding the shortage of manpower, EPFO significantly brought down the claim settlement period from around 10 days to roughly 3 days for COVID-19 advances. Moreover, against 33.75 lakh claims settled in April-May 2019, a total of 36.02 lakh claims were settled in April-May 2020, with less than 50% staff being able to attend work, which is more than 100% increase in productivity of workforce. Apart from commitment of staff, use of artificial intelligence played a big role in achieving new benchmarks in claim settlement.
As EPFO offices operated with skeletal staff, an out of the box innovation was needed to meet the expectations of its members. Turning adversity into advantage, EPFO launched its first fully automatic claim settlement system in a record time of just five days. Almost 54% of the COVID 19 claims are now being settled through the auto mode. This system is expected to drastically cut down claim settlement time for EPFO in future.
With automation and dedicated workforce, EPFO is settling more than 80,000 claims every working day amounting to about Rs. 270 crore, ensuring social security support for its members in times of crisis.